There are very few guarantees in life, but even that does not compare to the state of flux in which the Los Angeles Lakers roster finds itself ahead of the coming offseason. There are only five players who have fully guaranteed contracts heading into next season. That number becomes six if stretching it to include one partially guaranteed deal.
This offseason will be the Lakers' first real attempt to retool and pivot to a roster build focused around bringing out the best in Luka Doncic. In trying to figure out who stays, who goes, and whose future is still up in the air, it is easiest to start off with the most obvious name.
Stays beyond any doubt: Luka Doncic
Keeping it simple: the person reading this has a better chance of being struck by lightning or being asked out on a date by the celebrity of their choosing than Doncic does of starting 2026-27 anywhere but on the Lakers roster. This franchise does not employ Nico Harrison.
Helping Doncic thrive in Los Angeles is the central focus of any and every move made by the Lakers from here. There is not a real discussion to be had with this one.
Safe bet to return: Austin Reaves
By contrast, there is a slight bit more intrigue to be had with Austin Reaves. After establishing himself as a star, most are penciling in the Lakers guard as the co-star for the Doncic era in Los Angeles.
Reaves will be up for an extension upon declining his $14.9 million player option for 2026-27. The star guard has sizably outplayed that value, and this offseason should reflect that. The only real question is whether the unrestricted free agent explores the idea of a payday somewhere else.
It is certainly not impossible to think Reaves could end up elsewhere, despite the mutual interest, if the price point is not sufficient. However, with most of the alternatives involving spotty winning situations at best, something the Lakers guard has stated is important to him, there is no real reason to think Reaves would not welcome a return as the running mate and bromance buddy for Doncic.
Free agents who should be back: Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes
Marcus Smart outplayed the value of his current deal with the Lakers this season. That should mean the veteran guard declines his $5.4 million player option for 2026-27. If — or more likely when — he does, Los Angeles should move quickly to bring him back.
Had the Lakers as a whole not taken a bit too long to turn it around on defense, Smart could have found himself in discussions for All-Defensive honors in 2025-26. That is how great he was on the back end. The offensive side of the court will always be a bit of a mixed bag with him. Even so, the leadership provided by the tenacious guard adds to what was a tremendous addition last offseason.
Jaxson Hayes should have job security too. The backup big man showed signs of improvement this season, and has clear chemistry with Doncic. The new Slovenian passport for the Lakers center does not hurt his cause either. A reunion on a team-friendly deal makes sense for both sides.
Too young and intriguing to let go: Adou Thiero
Adou Thiero should offer an in-house upgrade to the Lakers' wing rotation next season. His athleticism makes his upside something fans and the team alike will be monitoring closely.
It is not totally impossible to think the Lakers could flirt with the idea of including him in a trade if the return package is really worth their while. Outside of those circumstances, Thiero should have a future next to Doncic moving forward.
Add us as a preferred source on Google